There are many different pest problems that can occur in a rented property. It’s no different from what can occur in a normal household. However, Haas Management explains, there are some fundamental differences that may make the chances of getting a pest problem more real. The aim of this blog is to highlight some of the basic pest problems that may occur in a rented property and why.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management is a term used to incorporate all available pest control techniques, procedures and measures that will prevent the development of a pest infestation. You may be wondering where I am going with this? In my experience dealing with pests in the rental market I have noticed some fundamental issues that occur in rental properties that lead to pest infestations. This is not in all properties but normally one of the following applies:
1. Poor Maintenance of the property
In some rental properties the buildings have not been well maintained. This maybe due to the property being in the rental sector for a long time. In these instances, the property may have been rented to several tenants. The properties aren’t necessarily looked after well. They are investments for the landlords, so every penny spent on improvements is taken out the profits. This may hamper the desire to keep the property in tip top shape.
This can cause problems and allow rodents entry into the property. The pest controller will identify all the possible reasons how that rodent could have got in and a repair bill that goes through the roof.
2. Property not looked after by tenant
Unfortunately, some tenants do not respect the property they rent as it is not theirs, they do not care for it the same way you would as an owner. We have come across all sorts of situations where the tenant does not clean the house. This is their choice however when it comes to the kitchen this can result in a build-up of food waste. If not cleaned food waste will be on the floor, under the cooker and on the work surfaces. It doesn’t matter how big; it can attract both rodents and public health insects such as cockroaches.
Gardens are another area to monitor. Not everyone has green fingers and enjoys a garden. With a rental property it may come with a garden which doesn’t mean to say the tenant will use it. If they don’t then it may end up a bit of a dumping ground which creates a great environment for rodents. If the garden over grows then once again it may create the perfect environment for not only rodents, but vermin such as foxes. They will in turn bring more rubbish to the garden.
3. Location of the property
The location of a property may be completely out of your control. If a property backs onto a wooded or grassed area, then it’s hard to control the environment. In situations like this all you can do is ensure the building is protected and proofed. A similar situation is when a house is attached to a food convenience store such as a takeaway. Bin areas and smells will naturally attract unwanted pests to the area.
The next-door neighbour’s house or garden may be the issue. If any of the above is relevant to the house next door then there will be issues. There are always holes in voids under the building or in the loft. Rodents will migrate from one house to another in search of food.
4. Type of Property
Terraced houses are prone to getting mouse issues as mice can travel easily from house to house. It has been known to be treating one mouse infestation over several houses. House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) brings their own issues. Firstly, they have often been bashed about a bit which makes it easy for rodents to find a route in. Having numerous people in a house means different living styles all under one roof. The transfer of bed bugs is another common problem in a HMO and poor reporting for fear of getting the blame often means the problem is far worse before it is found.
What does Integrated Pest Management Look Like in the Rental Market
Believe it or not, this is very simple to implement and mostly common sense. The key to implementing Integrated Pest Management is by following the instructions bellow.
- Good housekeeping.
- Manage rubbish within the property and the bin area.
- Good maintenance of the garden.
- Carry out regular maintenance of the property including blocking holes and proofing.
- Use proper skilled labour to carry out work.
- Regular inspections of the property both inside and out.
- A robust reporting system for faults and repairs.
- Quick follow up action of any faults.
- In general, keep areas clean and tidy.
- By having all this in place and maintaining the momentum on the above will hopefully mean the property will not fall victim to a pest problem.
Common Pests found in a rental property
The most popular pests found in a rental property are rats and mice. Often the probable cause is one of the above reasons. A common problem we have not mentioned is the situation where a tenant with a pet leaves a property and it is then discovered that the pet had fleas. The eggs take time to hatch through heat, vibration and movement and then start feeding on the new tenants. This happens frequently and we recommend that a professional pest controller is called in to deal with this situation.
Hopefully this has helped you to discover the pest problems that may occur in rented property and why. The key is to follow the Integrated Pest Management points to maintain a pest free environment, then you won’t have to call in pest control in Maidstone which saves you money. These points don’t only apply to rental property, this is basic pest management that will work in most environments.
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